Minimally Invasive Lateral Spinal Fusion

The goal of spinal fusion surgery is to stabilize your spine,
reduce back pain and lessen leg pain. Minimally invasive
techniques offer exciting new options for patients.
The decision to have surgery requires careful thought.
Your surgeon can advise you and answer your concerns.
Read this brochure to answer your basic questions. Write
down any questions you may have and decide with your
surgeon if minimally invasive lateral spinal fusion is right
for you.

Why is a spinal fusion performed?

Your spine is subject to
constant wear and tear. Soft
rubber-like discs between
the bones in your spine
cushion and protect your
spine as you perform daily
activities. Back pain can
occur when one or more
of these discs wear out
or become damaged by
injury or disease, such as
degenerative disc disease
or DDD. Spinal fusion is
performed to stabilize the
spine and reduce or remove
the pain by removing the
disc and joining two or more
vertebral bones together.

What makes a minimally invasive
lateral fusion different?

The minimally invasive lateral procedure for spinal
fusion is performed through a small incision in your side
rather than your back. This protects the muscles in the
back from being cut during the surgery.
Minimally invasive surgery may have many potential
advantages when compared to traditional open
spine surgery:

Smaller incisions and smaller scars

Less surgical blood loss

Shorter hospital stay

Less pain and pain medicine during recovery

What happens during surgery?

You will be placed on the operating table on your
side and you will be taped to the table so that your
body doesn't move during the surgery.

Your surgeon will place
a special instrument
called a retractor into
the incision in your side
and surgically tunnel
down to your spine.

With other special instruments your surgeon will
remove the disc that is causing your pain. In place
of the disc, your surgeon
will insert an implant
holding bone graft. After
the fusion procedure, your
surgeon may also place
other devices such as small
screws and rods through
small incisions in your back.
The implants will help
stabilize the spine while the
bones are fusing together
and your body heals.

What happens after surgery?

Your pain will be treated by medication and you
will likely remain in the hospital for 1-3 days. During
your recovery you will see your surgeon for follow-up
appointments and start a physical therapy program.
Talk to your surgeon about when you can start to
resume daily activities and return to work. Upon
healing, you will have one small scar on your side
and small scars on your back from your incisions.

What are the benefits and risks?

Each patient is unique so no two will respond to
surgery in the same way. Potential benefits include
a decrease or elimination of your pain and a return
to your normal activities. As with any major surgery
there is a risk of complications such as continued pain,
infection, nerve damage, or the need for surgery in
the future. Talk to your surgeon to make sure you
understand the benefits and risks of any
surgical procedure.